The Richness of Nepali Culture and Architecture
Nepal is a landlocked country nestled between India and China. Despite being small, Nepal is famous for its rich natural and cultural diversity. With varied topography, Nepal has lush forests, abundant water resources, fertile land, and mineral wealth. Apart from topographical diversity, the cultural landscape of this country is also equally diverse. Comprising 125 ethnic groups with 123 distinct languages, the prominent ethnic groups are Khasa, Tamang, Newar, Gurung, Tharu, Magar, Rai, Sherpa, Thakali, and many others. Each ethnic group brings its unique traditions and practices to the nation contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry in Nepal.
With distinct cultural identities maintained by each of the ethnic groups, they have followed their own culture in various aspects of life, including unique ceremonies, food habits, and traditions. Nepali culture is well reflected in the indigenous construction process and methods that have been in practice for ages by the different communities. The construction materials used vary with altitude and geographical constraints. Based on the availability of resources some common construction materials that have been in use include deciduous, evergreen, and coniferous trees, stone, slate, clay, bamboo, and thatch and coniferous trees, stone, slate, clay, bamboo, and thatch. The selection and utilisation of resources based on geography demonstrates a connection between people and the environment that has been practised for a long time and reflects Nepali culture and architecture.
Elements of Nepali Culture and Architecture
Nepal is divided into distinct areas which showcase isolated characters and unique architectural forms. People in distinct areas have over time crafted their skills and technologies to utilise ingenious materials and construction techniques reflecting a deeper connection to their environment. Through time, the architectural forms and patterns that have been isolated in the past have evolved and adapted to the changing needs of the people and new-age aspirations.
The capital of Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley, showcases an outstanding example of architectural evolution, where there is a blend of centuries-old art, religious and political history. With its intricate palaces, stupas, and temples, the valley is a testament to Nepali culture’s legacy. Flourishing through different dynasties that ruled the kingdom, Kathmandu still reflects the deep-rooted traditions. Emerging as a cultural hub, there have been diverse influences in art and architecture in the country. Nepali culture has constantly absorbed and evolved various artistic traditions contributing to its diversity and uniqueness.
Challenges in Preserving and Promoting Nepali Culture and Architecture
The current examples of cultural heritage in Nepal that have survived through periods of history acknowledge the consistent maintenance and repair practices infused by their sponsors, traditionally. These sponsors often consist of the royal family or influential people who commission the necessary restorations. Moreover, associations such as Guthis are prevalent in Nepal, which refer to a type of trust associated with the heritage responsible for proper functioning, maintenance, and renovations using indigenous approaches. In the past, powerful and wealthy patrons would sponsor these endeavours, to fulfil their religious duties, ensuring that the monuments were repaired and upkeep. These endeavours have significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of Nepali culture. In 1952-53, the Department of Archaeology was introduced and they contributed to the restoration of Kasthamandap joining hands with Guthi Sansthan.
With participation in UNESCO’s Convention for Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1978, Nepal opened its door to the global conservation movement. UNESCO, then, recognized seven monument sites in the Kathmandu Valley as World Heritage Sites in 1979. Challenges in maintaining these sites gradually emerged with existing concerns about the deteriorating conditions of some monuments which gave rise to recommendations for Nepal to adhere to the international conservation guidelines. However, there has been a rising debate around authenticity, especially in living heritage sites like Kathmandu Valley. Conservation of the cultural heritage preserving Nepali culture has been a complex issue concerning the balance between maintaining traditional practices and adherence to international conservation guidelines.
Current trends and future in preserving the Nepali culture and architecture
When it comes to the Kathmandu Valley, heritage conservation has been of primary focus with the establishment of legal frameworks and administrative roles by various governmental and non-governmental bodies which included ministries such as the Department of Archaeology, Department of Buildings and Urban Development, and local bodies. The management of multiple world heritage sites has proven to be a complex project with conflicts arising between different organisations. The efficiency of the preservation of cultural heritage has often been hindered by overlapping roles and redundant efforts.
With the involvement of internal agencies in heritage conservation within the Kathmandu Valley, mixed results have been achieved highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of external influence on Nepali culture. An example of this can be illustrated by The Patan Museum, a major cultural site in the valley. With the extensive use of modern materials steel in place of traditional timber, controversies have sparked over time regarding the authenticity of preservation. In contrast, the Bhaktapur Development Project (BDP) which concerns urban renewal with rehabilitation of technical infrastructure and restoration in focus, is approached more holistically. Even with the initial challenges faced, the BDP project has now harnessed praises for its integration of urban conservation with local development. This has been an exemplary project that could be taken as inspiration to promote the conservation of cultural heritage.
Understanding the local topography of the site, the application of traditional knowledge with modern techniques, ensuring the modern needs are met, and promoting collaboration with good integration between cultural authenticity and modern methods can prove to be effective methods to help promote and preserve Nepali culture and architecture.
References:
Adhikari, S. and Siwakoti, M. (2018) Culture in Nepal: An exploration of the legacy and its way forward, Kathmandu School of Law Review. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/101381712/Culture_in_Nepal_An_Exploration_of_the_Legacy_and_its_Way_Forward (Accessed: 30 August 2024).
Chapagain, N.K. (2008) Heritage Conservation in Nepal: Policies, stakeholders …, UNM Digital Repository. Available at: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=nsc_research (Accessed: 28 August 2024).
Thapa, S.H. (2019) ‘School of Nepalese architecture’, Journal of Innovations in Engineering Education, 2(1), pp. 187–194. doi:10.3126/jiee.v2i1.36674.
Tiwari, S. and Chapagain, N.K. (2018) Authenticity and the safeguarding of cultural heritage in Nepal challenges the notion of authenticity in the context of temples in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Revisiting Authenticity in the Asian Context. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/39159887/Authenticity_and_the_safeguarding_of_cultural_heritage_in_Nepal_Challenges_to_the_notion_of_authenticity_in_the_context_of_temples_in_Kathmandu_Valley_Nepal (Accessed: 28 August 2024).
